Mumbai, July 3 -- The Jammu and Kashmir administration will add 200 smart electric buses in Srinagar and Jammu, effectively doubling the existing smart fleet to strengthen eco-friendly public transport in the Union Territory. The expansion is intended to improve connectivity to rural areas and tourist destinations and to meet rising demand for low-emission travel. Under the Srinagar Smart City Limited project, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved 100 e-buses for Srinagar and 100 for Jammu.
Officials have indicated that the procurement process is in advanced stages and that the new buses are expected to be deployed over the coming months. The additional fleet will be equipped with air conditioning, GPS tracking and smart ticketing systems to enhance passenger comfort, safety and operational reliability. The Transport Department has also initiated plans for a further procurement of 200 smart buses as part of a longer term strategy to replace conventional diesel vehicles.
The administration plans to extend services to underserved villages and to improve links to key tourist circuits, with routing and scheduling designed to support local mobility needs. Officials anticipate that improved public transport will encourage modal shift away from private vehicles and reduce local emissions, contributing to broader environmental objectives. The introduction of the first electric buses in 2023 had already improved service levels by offering more reliable schedules and smoother onboard amenities.
Transport Department Secretary Avny Lavasa acknowledged that the free bus travel scheme for women may affect fare revenues but stressed its broader social benefits and the welfare rationale behind the policy. The administration has confirmed that free travel for women will continue on the smart buses and on other government operated services across the Union Territory. Officials said that implementation details, including route allocation and maintenance arrangements, will be finalised as procurement progresses.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.